Re: ELVES: was: Elliott's peoples

Hello,

> They are the descendants of a unique
> civilization
> that existed in the British Isles before the Celts got there.
In fact, that's almost what Tolkien's Elves were initially, vide _The
Book of the Lost Tales)

>  The "Elves" do,
> however, believe that their purpose (in fact, the purpose of
> all humankind)
> is to create and to enrich the world.  This belief inspired
> them to create great art.
'It [the Silmarillion] receives its name because the events are all
threaded upon the fate and significance of the Silmarilli ('radiance of
pure light') or Primeval Jewels. By the making of gems the sub-creative
function of the Elves is chiefly symbolized, but the Silmarilli were
more than just beautiful things as such. There was Light. There was the
Light of Valinor made visible in the Two Trees of Silver and Gold. (As
far as all this has symbolical or allegorical significance. Light is
such a primeval symbol in the nature of the Universe, that it can hardly
be analysed. The Light of Valinor (derived from light before any fall)
is the light of an undivorced from reason, that sees things both
scientifically (or philosophically) and imaginatively (or subcreatively)
and says that they are good' – as beautiful)'

(Letter no.131)

> They also have a long-standing linguistic tradition; in the
> heyday of their
> civilization, there was a great grammarian (comparable to
> Panini in India)
> who codified the standard form of the Elvish language.
That would be Fëanor, definitely. Or Rúmil perhaps :-)

> Overall, their culture
> is similar to that of Tolkien's Elves, but also shows "Celtic" traits.
Which ones?

> Well, "Elves" is mainly a term of convenience I use as long
> as I haven't found out
> what these people call themselves.  The reason why I call
> them "Elves" is
> the idea that the Celtic and Germanic traditions of elves are
> a distorted memory of the old civilization in pre-Celtic Britain.
Almost what Tolkien wrote in 'Aelfwine of England' :-)) (BLT2)

Pavel
--
Pavel Iosad               pavel_iosad@mail.ru

Is mall a mharcaicheas am fear a bheachdaicheas
                 --Scottish proverb